Context

The Chair SoC4sensing on Semiconductor Design of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) offers three PhD scholarships[Ui1]  focused on System-on-Chip design for Critical Sectors. The duration of these scholarships is three years.

SoC4sensing Chair is funded by private sector companies like soc-e.com and Ikerlan Coop. and by the Spanish Government. It is supported by 17 researchers from two research groups, APERT and GDED from UPV/EHU.

Research Topic

The main objective of this Ph.D. is obtaining a pre-industrialize SoC semiconductor device focused on sensing and secure networking for critical systems.

The European critical sector industries, like Energy, Transportation, and A&D, demand new SoC devices focused on their markets. These SoCs shall include preferably EU technology to increase European sovereignty in the semiconductors market.  

The operative objectives of this research are:

• Benchmarking RISC-V CPU based alternatives for the proposed application.
• Contribute with hardware-software mechanisms to allow Post-Quantum Computing (PQC) security and  control Quantum-Key-Distribution (QKD) protocols
• Design, manufacture and test Ultra-Deep SubMicron tapeouts

The specific tasks scheduled for this position are:

• State-of-the-Art analysis
• SoC subsystems front-end design
• SoC subsystems benchmarking
• SoC subsystems back-end design
• Prototypes verification

Mandatory Requirements

Master's degree (or equivalent) in engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, physics or computer science.

Fluent English level

Additional Requirements

Strong interest for research and development of new prototypes, especially in the area of edge-computing

Skilful in software/hardware engineering, optimally prior experience in FPGA developments, etc.

Offering

SoC4sensing Chair offers expert training on SoC VLSI back-end design to the candidate. This training trains the candidate to design digital semiconductor devices using the industry's design tools and fabs technology libraries.

Excellent working conditions where people feel safe and can make meaningful connections with one another in attractive research environment

Flexible work model and a range of various training opportunities for personal growth

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, please contact Prof. Armando Astarloa via email (armando.astarloa@ehu.eus) and [PhD-SOC4SENSING-PIF1] as the subject of the email) by sending your CV (including prior knowledge, skills, and publications, if any).

Candidates will be contacted for an interview and additional information for finalizing the application.

The Ph.D. scholarship will start 01/11/2024.

Location and others

SoC4sensing Chair is located in the Faculty of Engineering of Bilbao (https://www.ehu.eus/en/web/bilboko-ingeniaritza-eskola/website). This Faculty is located in the city center of Bilbao, very close to San Mames Stadium. Thus, it is easily reached by metro, tram, and bus. In addition, it offers public transport to reach all the Bizkaia coast and mountain.